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Here's what awaits Gilas in 21-day European training trip: Definitely no picnic

Gilas is set for high-altitude training in Greece and three tune-up games in Turkey and Italy in a 21-day training trip ahead of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

GILAS Pilipinas shifts its buildup for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament into higher gear as it embarks on a training camp in Europe for almost three weeks.

The Filipino dribblers, who leave on Friday night from NAIA 1, will head to Greece for a nine-day high-altitude training camp in Karpenisi, where the Greek national team also usually sets up camp.

The Nationals of coach Tab Baldwin then make a stopover to Turkey to face the country’s national team, before flying to Bologna, Italy for a two-day pocket tournament against Italy and either Canada or China.

Here is a timeline of their 17-day trip.

June 11 to 19: Gilas undergoes camp in a training center in the mountains of Karpenisi.

June 20: The Philippine team leaves for Istanbul, Turkey.

June 21: Gilas then takes on the Turkish national team.

June 23: They depart for Bologna, Italy

June 25: Gilas faces Italy in the first day of the pocket tournament, while Canada takes on China.

June 26: If they lose to the Italians, the Filipinos then take on the loser of the Canada-China match, or the winner if they beat Italy.

June 27 Gilas heads back to Manila and is expected to arrive the next day.

July 1: The Filipinos face the Turkish national team anew, this time at home, ahead of their first game in the OQT against France on July 5.